bustling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbəs-liŋ How to pronounce bustling (audio)
Definition of bustlingnext
1
as in busy
involved in often constant activity a bustling greeter was there to welcome guests to the grand opening

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity a bustling shopping center during the Christmas season

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bustling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of bustle
1
as in bursting
to be copiously supplied on Saturdays the city's downtown bustles with activity as a farmers' market sets up shop

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2
as in travelling
to proceed or move quickly the hostess bustled about, taking care of last-minute preparations for the party

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bustling
Adjective
Less than 15 miles from Rome, Ostia Antica was once a bustling cosmopolitan seaport at the mouth of the Tiber River, where many Mediterranean cultures mingled. — Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Mar. 2025 The director sought to develop that sharp dichotomy and turn a lens on the stark differences between a bustling urban life and the slow comforts and calamities of home. — Holly Jones, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025 His paintings capture the rhythms of daily life—women draped in flowing tobes set against stark, open backdrops of the sky or desert in some, bustling market stalls in others. — Omnia Saed, ARTnews.com, 17 Mar. 2025 Deep in the shadows of China’s bustling cities lies a paradoxical truth—a burgeoning cockroach farming industry flourishing in relative secrecy. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
  1. busy
  2. bursting
  3. engaged
  4. vibrant
  5. buzzing
  6. diligent
  7. thriving
  8. crowded
Adjective
  • The Mission Beach tower is the busiest in the entire city, and the beach’s popularity with tourists makes emergencies more likely there.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • But standing in a busy subway station, Duffy vowed to continue providing the city with federal support and confirmed the administration has not withheld funding.
    — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of busy
Verb
  • At one point Harry Maguire tried to inject urgency, bursting forward with the ball and urging Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot to run ahead.
    — Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
  • An intellectually dense film bursting with ideas, some of them contradictory, some troubling, all of them provocative.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2024
Definition of bursting
Adjective
  • If leaders can channel a new hire’s enthusiasm into the work, that person will be much more engaged.
    — Bruce Tulgan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With pressure being applied by Buckle to improve the students’ performances, Tom on a whim brings Juan Salvador into the classroom, and, suddenly, his pupils are very engaged.
    — Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • That includes the vibrant red, pink and purple waterlilies that draw visitors from around the world, especially from August to November when the flowers are most abundant.
    — Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
  • But by all means, have fun with your look and sport a bold print or vibrant color.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of vibrant
Verb
  • Street performers and buzzing crowds returned to Bourbon Street on Thursday after police reopened it hours before the Sugar Bowl, which was delayed a day and was expected to draw 70,000 fans to the nearby Superdome.
    — Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025
  • From patient inquiries to administrative notifications, your inbox is probably constantly buzzing.
    — Ajay Prasad, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of buzzing
Adjective
  • Like all pitchers, he’s been very diligent on wanting to improve his game — like all great players do.
    — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025
  • At this point in his career, injury management is as important as prevention, and Nimmo is extremely diligent with it.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of diligent
Adjective
  • Its thriving cultural scene, buzzing nightlife, and beautiful beaches draw millions of tourists every year.
    — Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The Wynwood Walls—an outdoor museum showcasing vibrant street art—is free to visit and offers an immersive look into Miami’s thriving creative scene.
    — Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of thriving
Adjective
  • In New Jersey, the primary field is much more crowded for candidates in both parties.
    — Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Tripadvisor recommends visiting in spring or fall when the weather is mild but the beach is less crowded.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of crowded

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Cite this Entry

“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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